Letter from Steve Orsini ... re: mascots

[PonyPride]

Dear Mustang Fans:

With our game against Navy just days away, I wanted to take a moment to address the concerns several of you have voiced in recent days involving our beloved live mascot, Peruna.

First and foremost, let me stress that Peruna, the black Shetland pony who made his first appearance at a campus pep rally in 1932, is and will continue to be our mascot.

Another big part of our athletic tradition, though, is our nickname - the Mustangs. The first football teams at SMU were unofficially known as the Parsons because of the large number of theology students on the team, but after SMU won a state championship in women's basketball, it was determined that the university's teams needed an official mascot. Bulls, Rams, Comanches and Rattlers were among the names submitted by members of the student body. The list was narrowed to three finalists, and at a pep assembly on October 17, 1917, the name Mustangs was selected over Bisons and Greyhounds.

Being the Mustangs has now placed us in a position to help a very important philanthropic cause. Today, 33,000 of America's wild horses - Mustangs - are in holding pens and less than 25,000 roam free. Just 100 years ago, over two million wild horses roamed the land. The National Wild Horse Foundation seeks to create a permanent home to save these national treasures. When we were contacted by their leadership, we felt the need to partner with the group to help save the Mustangs.

To bring attention to the Foundation and this important cause, SMU will be the setting for a "Salute to the Mustangs" at the SMU-Navy game on October 17, 2009 - 92 years to the day after we became the Mustangs. At halftime, we will be given two rescued, trained Mustangs. Our first concern is for the health and well being of these Mustangs. At our equestrian facility, these horses will have a good home and represent our support of the Foundation's commitment saving these American icons. How these animals will be involved in our future game presentation is yet to be determined.

The new Mustangs will be a welcome addition at SMU. The feisty energy of Peruna and the powerful presence of our new Mustangs will underscore the football team's theme of "All Grit. No Quit." Peruna represents a proud tradition, and the rescued Mustangs have shown the rugged determination to survive and thrive - a fitting metaphor for Mustang athletics. Together, they will represent a spirited tradition at SMU which is enjoyed by students, parents, alumni and other Mustang fans.

We hope you will join us in welcoming these Mustangs to the SMU family on Saturday. Thanks for your support and GO MUSTANGS!

Sincerely,
Steve Orsini
Director of Athletics

[Eye In the Sky]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[ponyte]

Steve, there are no wild horses in North America (Or South America, Africa, Europe, Antarctica or Australia). Horse on this continent or either domesticated or feral. There is only one species of wild horses and that is in Asia.

[DiamondM75]

Steve,

Next time something like this comes down, please please please, post the explanation before or in conjuction with the anouncement.

Unless you are trying to get the Ponyfans post count up.

[George S. Patton]

As I mentioned get the Sooner schooner after Texas-OU, bring it ovr and all 3 can drag it around.

Have they thought through exactly how Peruna will work in concert with the other two next year?

[PK]

Well at least he acknowledges that there is a problem and he has put into writing something that can be used to put a fire to his feet if the department renigs on this. Hopefully the administration will become more in tune with the alums and fans in the future so they don't go driving off the cliff again.

[PK]

Have they thought through exactly how Peruna will work in concert with the other two next year?

Based upon the letter above...no.

[OC Mustang]

Have they thought through exactly how Peruna will work in concert with the other two next year?

Based upon the letter above...no.

Peruna will hump the first one before the game...the second after the game. Peruna is bada$$!

(sorry, I just couldn't resist...I find all this consternation and constipation to be mildly entertaining...)

[RGV Pony]

This seems like an appropriate time to share. My 6 year old loved the Blvd as always on Saturday. Saw Peruna and loved him. Asked if they're still going to have the "big horse" next week "so Peruna will have a friend"...asked a couple of more times about the big horse...loved watching Peruna at the game. Walking out the long way, we passed by the Peruna memorial to the east of the scoreboard. He stopped, and said how sad...all the Perunas are right here...I'm going to pray for all the Perunas. Cant wait to see Peruna again next week and the parachute guys!

Then: So will Peruna's big friend be here too?

Peruna's not going anywhere. I guess I'm more moderate than most. Anyway a few years ago people w/ PETA et al were [deleted] about Mike the Tiger being a caged animal at LSU. Ever seen Mike's new habitat outside the Maravich center? You won't find a finer pseudo-natural habitat anywhere. And yes, I know they didnt add another Tiger or whatever. But people complained nevertheless that LSU should not keep an animal in captivity.

Anyway, I thought it was supposed to be a new day in America. What happened to Yes We Can?

[George S. Patton]

Have they thought through exactly how Peruna will work in concert with the other two next year?

Based upon the letter above...no.

Of course, they haven't. Why would they? If they did, it would be a first. Will we see the botox queen next year when the horses are there game in and game out? Hell freakin no, she's not showing up.

[PhantomPhi]

Have they thought through exactly how Peruna will work in concert with the other two next year?

Based upon the letter above...no.

No one knows. I think they are just trying to get through this weekend and sort out the politics later.

[PonyPower]

Removes all doubt about whether Steve-O (or at least his underlings) read PonyFans.com

[RGV Pony]

Removes all doubt about whether Steve-O (or at least his underlings) read PonyFans.com

he/they would be foolish not to.

[ponyte]

Uh, Steve, does this mean we will now compete to have one of the top 25 horse shelters in the nation?

[George S. Patton]

This seems like an appropriate time to share. My 6 year old loved the Blvd as always on Saturday. Saw Peruna and loved him. Asked if they're still going to have the "big horse" next week "so Peruna will have a friend"...asked a couple of more times about the big horse...loved watching Peruna at the game. Walking out the long way, we passed by the Peruna memorial to the east of the scoreboard. He stopped, and said how sad...all the Perunas are right here...I'm going to pray for all the Perunas. Cant wait to see Peruna again next week and the parachute guys!

Then: So will Peruna's big friend be here too?

Peruna's not going anywhere. I guess I'm more moderate than most. Anyway a few years ago people w/ PETA et al were [deleted] about Mike the Tiger being a caged animal at LSU. Ever seen Mike's new habitat outside the Maravich center? You won't find a finer pseudo-natural habitat anywhere. And yes, I know they didnt add another Tiger or whatever. But people complained nevertheless that LSU should not keep an animal in captivity.

Anyway, I thought it was supposed to be a new day in America. What happened to Yes We Can?

I'm very close to the family who took care of Mike. PETA -- militant animal rights group.